OAHU – HONOLULU

Oahu, affectionately known as The Heart of Hawaii, is one of six Hawaiian Islands tourists can visit. Home to approximately one million residents, and attracting over five million visitors each year, Oahu is the most populated and popular isle in Hawaii. Find the state’s capital city Honolulu here, along with the world-class resort area of Waikiki, it’s iconic beach and Diamond Head crater backdrop.

OAHU – WAIKIKI

Ninety per cent of Oahu’s accommodation resides in Waikiki, making it Hawaii’s most significant tourism hub. Spanning 5km by 1.5km, Waikiki is highly walkable but local buses, trolleys and the new Biki bike-sharing system provide extra ways to get around. From historic sites, shopping hot spots and watersports, to award-winning restaurants and cocktail bars, live entertainment and events, Waikiki is a holiday-makers wonderland.

OAHU – KO OLINA

Ko Olina, a planned resort zone on Oahu’s west coast, is fast growing in acclaim. Its hero feature is a string of man-made ocean lagoons coupled with an exclusive number of luxe resorts. Nearby Kapolei continues to develop at a rapid pace being dubbed Oahu’s “second city” after Honolulu. There’s plenty to experience on this side of the island from premium golf, boating tours, dolphin excursions, star gazing, outdoor adventure courses, water parks and more.

OAHU – NORTH SHORE

Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing, and this ocean pursuit is one of the best things to experience on Oahu. Beginners can book surfing lessons, while the advanced can hire a local’s surfboard and hit the open water. In Hawaii’s winter (November to April) surf’s up on the North Shore with waves as high as 12m. This is the perfect time to catch professional surfers competing in major league surfing events.

MAUI – THE VALLEY ISLE

The Hawaiian Island of Maui is nicknamed The Valley Isle thanks to rugged mountains in the West, a dormant volcano standing 3055m in the southeast and a central valley in between. These mountainous landscapes charm travellers, along with beautiful beaches, jungle-like rainforests and character-filled small towns. Maui continues to receive “best island” awards, it’s famous for top-notch hotels and resorts and a laid-back tropical vibe.

MAUI – LAHAINA

Maui’s Westside is a coastline of highlights from one town to the next, starting in Lahaina. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii and a busy whaling port, Lahaina is now a happening harbourside village. Its main “strip” Front Street is a lively mixture of quirky restaurants and bars, shopping boutiques, artist showrooms and the largest banyan tree in the United States.

MAUI – SOUTH SHORE

The South Coast of Maui is dotted with superb stretches of sun-soaked sand including the islands biggest beach, Oneloa Beach (pictured). This region is known for premium beachfront accommodations, especially in Wailea, where resorts sprawl over acres of land and vacation rentals run extra large. It’s a luxury travellers dream from private beach cabanas, fine dining and high-end outdoor malls to indulgent spas and championship golf courses.

MAUI – UPCOUNTRY

Nestled on the back hills of Maui’s highest peak, Mount Haleakala, is Upcountry Maui. This cold climate region is filled with farms, ranches, restaurants, and one of the few wineries in Hawaii. Spend a day tasting chevre (goat cheese) at Surfing Goat Dairy, lavender-infused treats at Alii Kula Lavender, pick-your-own strawberries at Kula Country Farm, and more. Non-drivers can sample pineapple wine at MauiWine and organic vodka at Hawaii Sea Spirits.

ISLAND OF HAWAII – VOLCANIC SCENES

Like all Hawaiian Islands, the Island of Hawaii is the product of volcanic eruptions over time, however, as the youngest isle it’s the only one where the volcanoes remain active! It’s so huge that all other islands could easily fit in it, giving way to its nickname the “Big Island”. From a geological perspective, this island has eleven of the world’s thirteen climate zones creating ample opportunities for unique adventures.

ISLAND OF HAWAII – WEST ISLAND

The West side of the Island of Hawaii attracts sun-lovers from around the world. Vacationers like to stay in the charming township of Kona or the ritzy resort areas along the Kohala Coast. There’s no better place than Kona to eat fresh tropical fruits and drink local Kona coffee and beer. The Kohala Coast has super-sized resorts and the island’s best white sand beaches.

ISLAND OF HAWAII – CHASING WATERFALLS

The east side of the Island of Hawaii is the location of Hilo, Hawaii’s biggest city after Honolulu and the gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This region gets showered in rainfall creating an abundance of natural beauty, visit lush attractions like Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, Akaka Falls (pictured) and Rainbow Falls.

ISLAND OF HAWAII – ACTIVE VOLCANOES

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is around an hour’s drive from Hilo. This World Heritage-listed site contains the most active volcano in Hawaii, Kilauea. More than two million people flock to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park annually to hike lava fields, explore underground lava tubes, feel the heat of the steam vents and witness crater eruptions (updates at nps.gov/havo).

KAUAI – ISLAND OF DISCOVERY

Kauai is the northernmost and oldest island in the Hawaiian archipelago. Mother Nature has created a real work of art on this island, there’s seemingly endless beauty to discover! The scenery is draped in thick rainforest, flowing waterfalls, a mini-Grand Canyon rich in red dirt, dramatic Napali sea cliffs and Hawaii’s only navigable rivers.

KAUAI – CRUISING IN KAPAA

Accommodation on Kauai is spread out across the island from top to bottom. Kapaa, also known as the Coconut Coast, is situated on the East side of the island just North of Kauai’s main town Lihue. It’s an excellent place for travellers to base themselves with the attractions in Hanalei and Princeville in the North and Poipu and Waimea in the South easy accessible. Picture: Jenny Galbraith

KAUAI – TAKE THE SLOW LANE

Poipu Beach is one of Kauai’s most well-known beaches, positioned on the sunny South side of the island. The main attraction is Hawaiian monk seals who frequently sunbake on the golden sands. These endangered species are typically roped off, and visitors are asked to keep a safe distance of about 45m.

KAUAI – TOUCH OF HOLLYWOOD

The sparkling beaches, mountains, sea cliffs and canyons of Kauai have caught the eye of many a film producer. This island has been the backdrop to more than 60 television shows and movies including Jurassic Park, King Kong, South Pacific and Blue Hawaii. Take a Kauai movie tour to get the Hollywood scoop.

MOLOKAI – HAWAIIAN BY NATURE

A visit to the Hawaiian Island of Molokai will take you back to a simpler time. It’s unspoilt, has few hotels and no traffic lights. Hawaiian by nature, Molokai has a significant Native Hawaiian population and retains a more traditional way of life.

MOLOKAI – HIDDEN REEF

Along the entire South shore of Molokai is Hawaii’s longest and most extensive fringing coral reef, at 45km long. Seldom visited, these waters offer a sanctuary of marine life with the most pristine snorkelling and diving locations in the state.

LANAI ISLAND – THE PLACE TO RELAX

Lanai entices the sophisticated traveller with a handful of exclusive luxury resorts and championship golf courses. It’s the least visited Hawaiian Island, small in size and slow in pace those that travel to Lanai, by air or on the ferry from Maui, are forced to rest and relax.

LANAI ISLAND – SWEETHEART ROCK

The majority of things to do on Lanai centre around the great outdoors. Travellers are best to hire a 4WD vehicle and go off the beaten track to uncover hidden nature trails and remote, deserted beaches. Lanai is also known for rock formations like Puu Pehe (pictured), also known as Sweetheart Rock, an iconic landmark between Manele and Hulopoe Bay.

By: escape.com.au